The Hidden Truth in Policing: More Officers Die By Suicide Than Any Other Cause
Confronted with the suicides of two police friends, a parental and police leadership structure that failed him, David Berez found a way to survive--and to thrive. His secrets are unveiled.
McLean, VA (March 14, 2025) - The average person will experience three or four traumatic events in their lifetime. The average police officer will experience 400-600 traumatic events in their career. Nevertheless, we expect our law enforcement professionals to be perfect and indestructible. David Berez, a 20-year police veteran, bares his soul in a riveting interview to remind us that cops are human, and he offers expert advice on how to cope with the unique mental health challenges associated with policing.
In the latest “Heroes Behind the Badge” podcast, you will hear David tell how a phone call saved his life; why he believes Derek Chauvin should have been out of policing long before George Floyd’s death; and how focusing on all the good works done in a police officer’s career can and should outweigh the trauma and negativity. If you’re a cop, you will learn important coping techniques that are taught through Positive Psychology. For those who have never worn the badge, David lets us know what the journey is like—the good, the bad and the ugly—and it will serve as an important reminder that the men and women who serve and protect us deserve a heartfelt “Thank You.”
You can view the video version of the podcast at:
An audio version of this podcast is available HERE or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. Just search for the “Heroes Behind the Badge” podcast.
About David Berez
David Berez is a retired 20-year police veteran with the East Windsor (NJ) Police Department, and the author of a recently published book entitled, “A Resilient Life: A Cop’s Journey in Pursuit of Purpose.” He is a Master Resiliency Trainer and currently a member of the Law Enforcement Advisory Council of Citizens Behind the Badge, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization in support of America’s policing professionals.
About “Heroes Behind the Badge” Podcast
“Heroes Behind the Badge” is a podcast produced by Citizens Behind the Badge (BehindBadge.org), a national nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between public perception and police reality, providing an up close and personal glimpse at the true heroes behind the badge. Video versions of the podcast can be found at: https://heroesbehindthebadgepodcast.org/. Audio versions are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.
